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Following Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has advised Neymar not to give up playing for his country in international competition.
After Brazil’s World Cup elimination last week, Neymar said he was considering retiring from international play, but Ronaldo doesn’t believe it would be the best course of action.
After an extra-time 1-1 draw, the Selecao lost to Croatia on penalties to exit the tournament. Neymar scored the opening goal for Brazil.
Bruno Petkovic, though, tied the score with three minutes remaining to force a shootout, Croatia’s second after defeating Japan in the last 16.
With Rodrygo and Marquinhos absent for Tite’s team, Croatia was able to earn a 4-2 victory on penalties after scoring on all four of their shootout attempts.
After the game, Neymar exhibited strong emotion, and he even mentioned in the post-game interview that he is thinking about continuing his international career.
“I want to take some time to think about the national team and what I want for myself,” said Neymar.
“I’m not saying goodbye to the national team, but I’m also not committing to returning in full. Right now, I’m feeling awful. It is challenging to process everything that has happened.”
But Ronaldo, a national team icon for Brazil, has retaliated against Neymar and doesn’t want the Paris Saint-Germain player to stop representing his nation.
The following World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, will include a 34-year-old Neymar.
The storied striker told AP: “I think Neymar is really angry with the World Cup loss for the Brazil national team. It’s normal for him to feel that way right now, but I’m confident he’ll get better and continue to play for the national team.
I’m delighted that he has demonstrated to the world his dedication to the Brazil national team over the past six months. He acted properly. He looked after himself.”
Despite missing the second and third group matches due to injury, Neymar had a mixed performance. He performed well while he was on the field.
Dani Alves, on the other hand, agrees with Ronaldo that Neymar should continue to represent Brazil.
The 37-year-old, who has represented his country at four previous World Cups, dating back to South Africa in 2010, did, however, reiterate that this is his final appearance.
